There could be many reasons why you might be thinking about learning something new. Perhaps you want to change careers, keep your professional skills up to date, or maybe you just want to learn for fun. Whatever your reasons, the next step is identifying how best to achieve your goals.
Would you like to study part-time, at a distance, or full-time in a classroom environment? Whichever you prefer, there’s surely something to suit your needs, and with more and more free resources out there, cost doesn’t need to be a barrier.
To help you get started, here are 5 ways to start learning something new.
1. Find a free course online
Free online resources are great for those who may be short on time, money, or both, because you can use them at your leisure and they won’t cost you a penny!
No matter what age you are, the internet has plenty to offer and continues to evolve and develop all the time. So even if you decide to pay to take a more in-depth course, it’s still worth using free online resources to supplement your learning.
If you’re looking for somewhere to start, it’s worth having a look at some of these free online education sites…
Alison
Alison.com has short online courses on everything from IT and business to health and humanities. It also gives you the option to find courses related to specific jobs, and various career-related extras – such as a workplace personality assessment to help uncover your professional strengths.
You can even access certificates and diplomas upon completing some of Alison’s courses. However, please bear in mind that you might have to pay for this part.
Duolingo
If you’re interested in learning a new language, Duolingo can offer a light-hearted educational experience either on the web or via its free app. The great thing about Duolingo is that you can easily tap into it anytime (such as while waiting for a bus), and its interactive quizzes are relaxed and fun.
While you can use Duolingo for free, the standard version is a little limited. There’s also a ‘super subscription’ option for people wanting to take their language learning further, which removes ads and gives you access to more features.
If you’re interested in learning a language, you might like to read our article on the benefits it can bring, which includes additional tips on how to get started.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn is a great free option for those who want to learn for fun and aren’t worried about achieving certification, as this comes at a cost. They offer a wide variety of short courses from leading universities and specialist institutions around the world.
As well as certificates, you can pay for extras like course tests and unlimited access to course information.
OpenLearn
OpenLearn is powered by the Open University and offers free access to courses across a range of subjects, including history, science, and sports.
Courses range from introductory to advanced level and can be taken for fun or to help you top up your knowledge and skills related to your career. If you’re considering taking a degree but you’re unsure, then OpenLearn can be a great way to find out more about a subject area and decide whether it’s right for you. In fact, OpenLearn say that millions of their students report that they now have the confidence to start formal study.
2. Access free learning resources at your local library
If you’re thinking about learning something new, it’s definitely worth signing up to your local library. It’s completely free to join, and you’ll gain access to a variety of free resources, including books, magazines, journals, and e-books.
But it’s not all about checking out books. Libraries offer a great place to sit and study quietly, and many run community groups for adults, ranging from craft and creative writing clubs to language groups. So it’s worth checking out what’s on at your local one.
3. Distance learning courses
Distance learning courses are ideal for anyone wanting to learn at their own pace and in their own time. They’re simply courses that are delivered remotely, so there’s no need to be physically present in a classroom, meaning you can fit them around your other responsibilities, like work and caring.
Distance learning courses are provided by an online course provider, university, college, or other institution, and they’re usually conducted entirely online. Some give you the option of having an online or remote tutor and/or peer support, too, so there’s no need to struggle on your own if you find yourself needing help.
Whether you want to take a certificate, diploma, or degree course, or something else entirely, chances are there’ll be a distance learning option available. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, why not take a look at some of the providers below?
4. Classroom-based learning at your local college or adult education centre
Most people who take a classroom-based course at their local college or adult education centre do so for one of two reasons. Either because it offers practical, hands-on experience that’s beneficial for a specific job role, or because they prefer to learn in an environment where direct support from tutors and peers is available. Sometimes it’s also the only way to get the certification needed for a specific job or career.
Colleges and adult education centres won’t all offer the same courses, so it’s always worth checking with your local ones to find out exactly what they offer. This can also be said for the course duration, entry requirements and cost, so it’s worth having a browse and confirming these with each institution before committing to anything.
If you already know what type of course you’d like to study, you can also try contacting your local council, as they should be able to give you more information about courses available in your area.
5. University degree courses
A degree course is a much larger commitment than the majority of the courses listed above, but if you have the time and money, it can be highly rewarding. Some people take degrees for fun, but the majority do it with a specific career in mind.
If you’re unsure whether or not a degree is the right option for you, it can help to get in touch with your local university and ask to speak to someone who runs the course that you’re interested in taking. They may be able to give you more insight into what it involves and what it could lead to.
It may also be worth taking a free course in your chosen subject matter first. That way, you can get a feel for the subject before committing significant time and money.
The entry requirements for each degree course will differ depending on the course and university you apply to, so it’s best to check these before submitting an application. Universities also run open days where you can go look around and hear more about certain courses.
Many people worry about the time and cost associated with degree courses, but if you’re really keen to start a degree in later life, there’s financial help available in the form of bursaries and loans, as well as options to study part-time alongside other work commitments.
There’s also an option to study some degrees at a distance. The Open University offers distance-learning degrees, as do some other universities.
To inspire your higher education journey, check out Christine’s story. Christine completed her undergraduate degree in Criminology in her 50s and loved every moment of it. Or, for some more practical advice, take a look at our guide to becoming a university student in your 50s, 60s, and beyond.
And finally…
No matter what you want to learn, it’s never too late to try something new. There are plenty of benefits associated with learning a skill later in life, including improved brain function, access to new opportunities, and increased confidence.
Sometimes, going back to school or committing yourself to learning something new can be scary because it forces us to step outside of our comfort zone – but that’s where we can really grow and flourish as individuals.
Are you thinking about learning something new? Are there any words of advice or learning resources that you’d like to share with other members? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.